USO Okinawa and AEC Okinawa: A Partnership That Has Stood the Test of Time

For more than 52 years, AEC Okinawa has helped USO Okinawa support the men and women who serve our nation.

Some partnerships last a few years, while others become part of an organization’s history. For USO Okinawa, AEC Okinawa has been a trusted partner for more than 52 years, supporting our mission and helping us provide a welcoming place for service members and their families stationed on the island. Over the years, AEC has contributed in many ways, from construction projects and facility improvements to sponsorships that help support USO programs. While the work itself has changed over time, AEC’s willingness to step up and help has remained consistent. On Saturday, September 26, USO Okinawa and AEC Okinawa had another opportunity to work together during a beach cleanup.

More Than Five Decades of Support A partnership lasting more than 52 years is something worth recognizing. Throughout that time, AEC has helped USO Okinawa in ways that have made a real difference in our ability to serve military members and their families. Much of that support can be seen in the places where the USO operates. Our centers give service members a place to take a break, spend time with others, and enjoy a familiar and welcoming environment while stationed far from home. Keeping those spaces comfortable and functional takes work, and AEC has played an important role in helping us maintain them.

Support That Makes a Difference

There are several moments throughout our history with AEC that stand out. In 2017, AEC provided construction support for the USO Foster Renovation. Two years later, in 2019, AEC helped refresh the USO Futenma Center, with additional work completed at the center in 2025. AEC also supported the relocation of the USO Indo-Pacific Office in 2022, helping with an important transition for the organization. More recently, in 2025, AEC assisted with repairs to the Camp Hansen Patio Awning and provided a $16,000 Silver Sponsorship donation. Each of these contributions addressed a different need, but they all helped support the same mission. Facility improvements may not always be the most visible part of what the USO does, but they matter. These are the places where people stop in between responsibilities, take part in activities, and spend time away from the demands of military life. AEC has helped us care for those spaces, and its continued support has allowed us to keep them welcoming for the people who rely on them. The $16,000 sponsorship in 2025 was another important example of AEC’s generosity. Support like this helps the USO continue its work and provide opportunities for service members and their families throughout Okinawa.

Continuing the Partnership Through Service

This September, USO Okinawa and AEC Okinawa brought that same spirit of teamwork to the shoreline. The beach cleanup on Saturday, September 26, gave both organizations an opportunity to help care for the island we call home. Okinawa is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, and keeping those areas clean takes a shared effort. Volunteers spent the morning collecting litter and debris along the beach, helping preserve the natural environment for residents, families, and visitors to enjoy. It is also a reminder that service does not always have to involve a large project. Sometimes, it means taking a few hours out of the day to help with something that benefits others. By working side by side, volunteers accomplished something worthwhile while continuing to build on a partnership that has lasted for generations of service members. For USO Okinawa and AEC Okinawa, the beach cleanup is another opportunity to put that commitment into action.

Looking Ahead With Gratitude

The beach cleanup was another meaningful example of our partnership with AEC bringing our teams together to give back to Okinawa and the community we share. More than 52 years later, we remain proud to call AEC a valued partner. We are deeply grateful for their generosity, commitment to our mission, and decades of support for service members and their families, and we look forward to continuing this remarkable partnership for years to come.